Control mechanism for motor-vehicles.



R. HUFF.

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION men AUG.22 I913.

1,280,738. Patented 001;. 8, 1918.

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Witnesses.-

R. HUFF.

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.22 I9I3.

1,280,738. Patented Oct. s, 1918.

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L Witnesses." fnu'enior:

R. HUFF. CONTROL MEC-HMHSM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATFON HLED AUG-2Z- I913- 1,280,738. Patented Oct. 8, 1918.

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Jiuorner,

lmremforr UNITED STATES T OFFICE.

nUssELI. RUFF, or DETROIT, mrcmcrm, nssrenon To PACKARD Moron can COMPANY, or DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A conronnrzou or MICHIGAN.

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MOTOR-VEHICLES.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RUSSELL HU'FF a citizen of the United States, and resident of Detroit, Wayne county, State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Control Mechanism for Mo tor-"chides, of which the following is a steering gear connections in the lower compartment. The steering shaft is shown as passing through both compartments and as having a bearing in the partition between the compartments, and another bearing in the lower end of the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a two-compartment steering gear casing of the type described in the preceding paragraph with a closing cap over the opening in the lower end of the lower compartment and covering the end of the steering shaft and its lower bearing. By this arrangement the lubricant is retained in the lower compartment and particularly in the lower bearing, which, in the present in stance, is a thrust bearin for taking the entire thrust in both directions on the steering shaft. This arrangement is possible only by reason of the fact that the motor control devices which pass through the up per section of the steering shaft terminate in the upper compartment of the casing and are provided with suitable connections passing outwardly through the walls of said compartment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a steering gear for motor vehicles in which the casin forms a sup-port for the operating shaft t rough a pin which is supported at one end in one wall of the casing :and atthe other end' ina supporting arm Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 22, 1913.

between the sup orts for the pin.

or operating erating shaft for the steerin Patented Oct. 8.1918. Serial No. 786,192.

which is arranged outside of and separated from the casing. This arrangement rovldes a long bearing for the operating s aft on the pin and the entire shaft and the steering arm connected to it are arranged Thus there is no over ang of the steering arm shaft, and wear is reduced to a mlnlmum.

Another object of the invention is to pro vide a simple and efficient operatin connection between the steering shaft an the oparm together with simple means for lubricating the va rious bearin surfaces.

Another 0 j ect of the invention is to provide a steering shaft formed with several parts or sections, each of which may be of different cross sectional area from the others and which sections are suitably joined together to make a continuous shaft. As shown, the upper and intermediate sections are joined by brazing, thus making practically a permanent joint, while the lower section is joined to the intermediate section by a detachable flange joint.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description, taken in connection with the drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 is a front view of a steering gear embodying this invention and shown su ported on one of the side members of t e frame of a motor vehicle, which side member is shown in transverse section in this view; 7

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the steering gear shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a left side elevation of the steering gear shown in Fig. 1 with the web portion of the vehicle frame cut awayto disclose the steering ear casing;

Fig. 4 is a sectlon substantially on the line 44 of Fig. 2; V

Fig. 5 is a section substantially on the line 55 of Fig. 4; f 4

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the operating shaft;

Fig. 7 is an enlar ed transverse section substantially on the line 7-7 of Flg. 2;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section on the hue 8-8 of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are detail views.

Referring tothe drawings, 20 represents shaft by means of a clamping bolt 75. A packing gland 76 surrounds the operating shaft 72 where it passes throu h the cover 63, to prevent the escape of lubricant at that point.

The operating shaft 72 is formed with one, or preferably two, radially extending integral arms 77 which have a sliding fit in ways 78 formed in cylindrical pieces 79 arranged in the ends of a block or nut 80 which surrounds the threaded orworm portion of the steering shaft. The plu 80 is formed with an integral lug 81 which ex tends into a slot 82 formed in the adjacent portion of the operating shaft 72, thus preventing the rotation of the plug 80 with the steering shaft. While it is intended that the compartment 30 shall be packed with grease for lubricating the working parts therein, the lubrication of the bearing 71 and the sliding connection between the lug 81 and the groove 82 is further insured by drilling the pin 67 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4 and in full lines in some of the other figures, and providing a transverse channel 83 in the shaft 72 connecting the interior of said shaft with the groove 82. An oil cup 84 supplies lubricant to the interior of the pin 67, and it is from there conveyed to the bearings 71 and to the groove 82.

From the above description it will be observed that the rotation of the steering shaft 32, by means of a suitable hand wheel mounted at the top of the steering column 28 and not shown in the drawings, causes, throu h the threads of the shaft section 38 and t e plug 80, a longitudinal movement of the plug on the shaft 32. The plug 80 carries with it the cylindrical pieces 79 which oscillate slightly in the ends of the plug and carry with them the arms 77 which thereupon rock the o erating shaft 7 2. The operating shaft 72, eing keyed to the steering arm 74, the latter, is oscillated and, through its connection with the front steering wheels of the vehicle. (which connections are not shown in the drawings) moves the wheels to one side or the other as desired.

An opening 85 is provided in the upper part of the compartment 30 and closed by a cover 86 having a removable screw cap 87 to permit of filling the compartment with grease or other lubricant. The cover 86 has an integral arm 88 extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom for supporting bell crank levers 89 operated by a rod 90, which rod is under the control of the operator. The lower end of the rod is shown as having a sliding bearing in an arm 91 extending transversely from the cover 60 at the lower end of the casing. By means of this construction, that is, the casting of these arms 88 and 91 integrally with the small cover pieces, should either of these arms break, the

cost of replacing the broken art is considerably less than it would be i the arms were formed integrally with the casing, as is the usual practice.

A specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail and will be specifically claimed, but it will be under stood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown, as it will be apparent that changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A steering gear casing for motor vehicles comprising upper and lower compartments, a two part steering shaft extending through both compartments having a worm in the lower compartment and a joint between its parts in the up er compartment, and a partition between t e compartments forming a bearing for the shaft intermediate the worm and the joint, said partition being detachable from the casing endwise of the shaft.

2. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing having upper and lower compartments, and a two part steeringshaft extending through both compartments and having the worm on said shaft in the lower compartment and a joint between its parts in the u per compartment.

3. In a steering gear or motor vehicles, the combination of a casing having upper and lower compartments, a steering shaft extending through both said compartments, motor control devices in said steering shaft, connections from said devices through the walls of the upper compartment, and steering connections from said steering shaft through the walls of said lower compartment.

4. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing having upper and lower compartments, a tube secured to the upper end of the casing and forming a continuation of the upper compartment, a steering shaft extending through the tube and through both compartments and having a joint in the upper compartment and -a. worm in the lower com artment, and an operating shaft pivoted 1n the lower compartment of the casing and adapted to be operated by said worm.

5, In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing having upper and lower compartments, and a bearing member separating said compartments, a steering shaft extending through said casing and having hearings in said member and in the lower end of the casing, motor control devices extending, partly through said shaft and terminating in the upper com partment of the casing, connections from said devices through the walls of the upper compartment, and a closing cap over the lower end of the casing covering the end of the steering shaft and its bearing.

6. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of a steering arm, a hollow operating shaft for said arm, a pin passing through said shaft and having bearings therefor, said pin being connected to said support beyond both ends of said shaft, and means for operating said shaft.

7. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of a steering arm, a hollow operating shaft for said arm, a pin passing through said sbaftiand having bearings therefor, said pin being keyed to said support beyond both ends 0 said shaft, and means for operating said shaft.

8. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination with a support having sep arated supporting members, and a pin supported in said members, of bearings on said pin between said members, an operating shaft mounted on said bearings, a steering arm secured to said operating shaft, and means for operating said shaft.

9. In a steering ear for motor vehicles, the combination wlth a casing comprisin separated walls having alined openings an a supporting member beyond one of said walls in line with said openings, of a pin extending through said openin s and having its ends secured in one 0 said walls and in said member, hearings on said pin, a steering arm mounted on said bearings and means for operating said shaft.

10. In a steering ar for motor vehicles, the combination wi a casing comprising separated walls having alined openings and a sup orting member beyond one of said walls in line with said openings, of a pin extending through said openings and having its ends secured in one of said walls and in said member, a steering arm and operating shaft therefor mounted in bearin on said pin, and means for operating said shaft.

11. In a steering gear for motor vehicles,

.the combination with a casing comprlsin separated walls having alined openings an a supporting member beyond one of said walls in line with said openings, of a pin extending through said openings and having its ends secured in one of said walls and in said member, a steering arm mounted between one of said openings and the wall of said member on hearings on said pin, an operating shaft for said steering arm mounted between said openings on hearings on said pin, and means" for operating said shaft. 12. In a steering -r for motor vehicles, the combination wit a casing having one side open, and a removable cover for said port, and a second support arranged outside of and separated from the opposite wall, of a pin mounted in said supports and extending through said opposite wall, an operating shaft mounted on bearings on said pin between said supports and extending through said opposite wall, a steering arm secured to said operating shaft between said opposite wall and said outside support, and means for operating said shaft.

14. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of a steering arm, a hollow operating shaft for said arm, said shaft having integral operatin arms, a pin connected at its ends to sai sup ort and passing through said hollow sha said hollow shaft being adapted to turn relative to said pin, and means for operating said shaft through said operating arms.

15. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a support, a steering arm and an operating shaft for said arm pivotally mounted on said support, arms on said shaft for turning it,-a steering shaft mounted in bearings on said support at right angles to said operating shaft and extending between the arms thereon, thrust bearin to prevent longitudinal movement of sa 3 steering shaft, a block having threaded engagement with said steering shaft, and means comprising pieces for forming a sliding pivotal connection between said block and arms, whereby the rotation of the steering shaft oscillates the operating shaft.

16. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a support, a steering arm and an operating shaft for said arm pivotally mounted on said support, arms on said shaft for turning it, a steering shaft mount-.

ed in hearings on said support at right angles to said operating shaft and extending between the arms thereon, thrust bearings to prevent longitudinal movement of said steering shaft, a block havingthreaded engagement with said steering shaft, and means comprising cylindrical pieces in said block for forming a sliding pivotal connection between said block and arms, whereby the rotation of the steering shaft oscillates the operating shaft.

17. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing, an operatin shaft pivotally mounted therein, said sha me -res having a radialarm for operating ,it a steering shaft mounted in bearings in said casing, a block having threaded engagement with said steering shaft and connected to said arm, and means independent of said arm between the block and said operating shaft to prevent rotation of the block with the steering shaft.

18. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing, an operatin shaft pivotally mounted therein, said sha having a radial arm for operating it, a steerin shaft mounted in bearings in said casin a %lock having threaded engagement wit said steering shaft and connected to said arm, a lug on said block, and a segmental groove for said lug in said operating shaft, whereby rotation of the block with the steering shaft is prevented.

19. In a steering gear for motor vehicles, the combination of a casing, an operating shaft having bearings within the casing, a steerin shaft also mounted in hearings in the casing, a block havin threaded engagement with said steering s aft and connected to oscillate said operating shaft, a lug and groove connection between said block and operating shaft to prevent rotation of the block with the steering shaft, and means for feedin lubricant to the bearings of said operating shaft and from there to sa d lug ind groove connection.

20. In a steerin gear for motor vehicles, the combination oga casing and a steerin shaft therein, said shaft being formed 0 three parts, two of said parts being substantially permanently secured together and the third art being secured to one of the other parts by a detachable joint.

21. In a steerin gear for motor vehicles, the combination 0 a casing and a steerin shaft therein, said shaft being formed 0 three parts, each of different cross sectional area, two of said parts being substantially permanently secured together and the third part being secured to one of the other parts y a detachable joint.

-22. In a steerin gear for motor vehicles, the combination 0 a support, a steering arm and an operating shaft or saidv arm pivotally mounted on said support, arms on said shaft for turning it, a steering shaft mounted in bearings on said support at right angles to said operating shaft, thrust bearings to prevent longitudinal movement of sa1d steermg shaft, a worm arranged on said steerin shaft between said arms, a threaded bloc v surroundin said worm, and means comprising pieces or forming a pivotal connection between said block and arms whereby the rotation of the steering shaft oscillates the operating shaft. i

23. In a steerin gear for motor vehicles, the combination 0 a sup r rt, a steeringarm. and an operating shaft or said am p1votally mounted on said support, arms on said shaft for turning it, a steering shaft mounted in bearin s on said support at right angles to sai operating shaft, thrust bearings to prevent longitudinal movement of said steering shaft, a worm arranged on said steering shaft between said arms, a threaded block surroundin said worm, and means comprising cylin rical pieces for forming a sliding (pivotal connection between said posite sides of said fingers, whereby when as the actuating member is operated the shaft is rocked.

25. In combination, a casing, a slidable actuating member therein provided with cylindric recesses in its opposite sides in axial parallelism with the rocker shaft, a screw or reciprocatin said actuating member, a rocker shaft Eeside said actuating member provided with crank fin ers entering said recesses, and parti-cylin ric blocks in the recesses engaging said crank fingers, whereby the angular motion of said crank fingers relative to the actuating member is compensated for.

rovided with so 26. In combination, a casing, a reciproeating actuating member therein provided with parti-cylindric recesses in its opposite sides in axial arallelism with the rocker shaft, a worm s aft for moving said member longitudinally, a rocker shaft having crank fin rs entering said recesses and particylmdric blocks placed in sai recesses on opposite 'sides of said crank fingers, whereb when the actuating member is moved lon tudinally said shaft is rocked and t e angular motion of the crank fingersrelative to said actuating member is automatically compensated for.

27. In combination, a.casing, a slidable actuating memb'er therein provided with cylindric recesses in its opposite sides in axial arallclism with the rocker shaft, means or reciprocating said actuating member, a rocker shaft beside said actuating member provided with crank fin ing said recesses, and rotatable dISkS in the recesses having opposite parti-cylindric selgments engaging said crank fingers, w ereby the angular motion of said crank rs enterfingers relative to the actuating member is 126 compensated for.

28. In combination, a casing, a reciprocating actuating member therem provided with parti-cylindric recesses in its opposite sides m axial parallelism with the rocker 189 shaft, means for moving said member longitudinally, a rocker shaft having crank fingers entering said recesses, and rotatable disks pivotal y mounted in said recesses and hav ing parti-cylindrlc segments on opposite si es of and engaging said crank ngers, whereby when the actuating member is moved longitudinally said shaft is rocked and the angular motion of the crank fingers relative to said actuating member is automatically compensated for.

29. In combination, a reci rocatory member having a cylindric recess in its outer side axially parallel with the axis of the rocking member, a rockin member having a crank finger extending eside said recipnocatory member and entering said recess, and particylindric segments in said recess fillin the spaces betweenthe sides of said crank nger and the outer walls of said recess, sub stantially as described.

30. In combination an actuating member having an open ended cylindric recess in its side, means for producing longitudinal motion of said member, a rocker member entering said recess in the actuating member, and parti-cylindrio segments in said recess at opposite sides of said rocker member, said segments being rotatable within said recess and slidable relative to said rocker member.

31. In combination, an actuating member havin a cylindric recess in its outer side, a rotata le disk provided with par'ti-cylindric segments on its outer face inserted in said recess, and a rocker lever pivoted at one side of said actuating member and extending into said recess and between the parti- 33. In combination, a casing, a reciprocatin actuating member therein provided with cy mdrlc recesses in axial almement, means for moving said member longitudinally,

pivoted members entering said recesses, and

parti-cyl'indric members in said recesses at opposite sides of said pivoted members, whereby when the actuating member is moved ongitudinally said pivoted members are rocked.

34. In combination, a casing, a sliding actuating member therein, having open ended circular recesses in its opposite sides, means for operating said member, and a shaft pro vided with crank fingers entering the circular recesses in said actuating member, and a rotatable disk in said recess provided with parti-c lindric members at opposite sides of the nger therein, whereby when the actuating member is o erated the shaft is rocked, substantially as escribed.

In testimony whereof I allix mysignature in the presence of two witnesses.

RUSSELL HUFF.

Witnesses:

H. B. Kiur, Ln R01 J. 'WILmAMs.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,280,738, granted October 8, 1918,

upon the application of Russell Hufl', of Detroit, Michigan, for an improvement n Control Mechanism for Motor-Vehicles," an error appears in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 4, line 38, claim 9, for the word "shaft read arm; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice.

Signed and sealed this 26th day of November, A. D., 1918.

[SEAL] R. F. WHITEHEAD,

Acting Commiuioner of Patrnta. Cl. 7439. 

